prayer of recollection - the leadership institute of recollection! background!...
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©2014 The Leadership Institute. Website: SpiritualLeadership.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (888) 880-‐4TLI (4854) � 1
Integrating Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development
Prayer of Recollection!Background!When we think of the Protestant Reformation, we evangelicals usually think of the reforms started by Martin Luther and his followers. But the Church at that time had many believers championing reform in many areas. Some of these believers, in Spain, saw the need for a reformation of the heart. Tired of hardheartedness and weak conviction among their congregation, and themselves, they saw that one way to combat these inclinations of the soul was through entering into the presence of the Lord. The author of Hebrews exhorts the Church "to approach God's throne of grace with conXidence, so that we may receive mercy and Xind grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). !Prayer from this perspective was presence, loving presence, which allowed oneself to be with the Lord. It is in this vein that we introduce to you the Prayer of Recollection, which leads us through a rhythm of prayers that help us look over our day and see God's movements in it. !The Practice!CONFESS !First, confess those places where you may have made other things Xirst and foremost before Jesus. In what areas have you placed your trust that are other than Jesus? !Examples: !“I am what I do,” “I am what I have,” “I am a spouse,” “I am a church volunteer,” “I am a provider,” “I am an employee,” “I am a son.” !REMIND !Talk with the Lord about who you are in Him. This is more than what you do…it is who you are…who He says you are. Write down those things that come to mind. !Examples: !“I am a beloved son or daughter of God” “I am united with the Holy Spirit” “I am chosen by the King of the Universe” “I have been adopted as an heir with Christ”
©2014 The Leadership Institute. Website: SpiritualLeadership.com/ Email: [email protected] Phone: (888) 880-‐4TLI (4854) �2
Integrating Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development
Prayer of Recollection!The Practice!CONSIDER !Consider for a moment how you have been praying to God in recent months. Do you approach Him as one who would grant you whatever you ask? Does He have a will that you’re consulting? Do you expect Him to be controlled by you? Receive His grace for you where you are, and remember that He wants your growth far more than you do. !List some of the ways you pray to God, what feelings this evokes in you, and areas of your life where you see God molding you more into the image of His Son. These may be places of growth for you. !PRAY !In closing, pray a prayer like this to the Lord: “God, whatever I am to become, I want to do it in you and through abiding in Christ. Thank you that whatever I am, it is only because you allow it.” !Ask God to help you to abide in Him, because you can’t do it on your own. You can only do it through Him. He knows you and wants to help you. Ask Him to continue showing you this week more of the ways you are in Him (as in “Remind” above) and to celebrate those as you close out your day. !